About

Growing up in East Tennessee by the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, I often heard my parents' voices encouraging me to “look” at something beautiful, complicated, or unusual. Thus, noticing, seeing, reflecting, and taking in the wonder or puzzle of a moment or image became second nature to me, setting a foundation for my passion for photography. 

I love exploring a new place or space and find the following true: “When the eyes see what they have never seen before, the heart feels what is has never felt” (Baltasar Gracian, a Spanish Jesuit scholar). I am deeply engaged by the infinite ways in which light quickly moves and changes what we see; stunning and subtle colors; and the awe inspiring details of the wonders around us. I attempt to capture these in my images. I choose a printing medium after experimenting and identifying whether canvas, fine art paper, or photo infused metal best brings to life each photo’s story and the feelings it evokes.  

I eagerly anticipate the moments when one of my photos captures someone’s attention, and I can hear their reactions and answer their questions. Even better are the moments when someone falls in love with a photo and wants to take it home and live with it! I also enjoy shaping calendars with photos that resonate with a year’s different moods and events. And once calendars are shaped, I look forward to the periodic turning of the Peg Hess Photography calendars’ pages to a new month with a different photo. And, I am delighted to share page-turning with a community of wise folks who have purchased my calendars. 

My first published photo was in National Geographic Traveler (2010). Ten years later (2020) I had the first public show and sale of my work. Since, my photos have been exhibited in juried and other venues, including the Knoxville Arts in the Airport and Knoxville’s Emporium Center, Art Extravaganza (Webb School), The Tomato Head, Pottery Barn, and others. My hope is that whether you encounter my work on this website or elsewhere, it resonates with and inspires you to feel something — new or familiar — in response.